The best known park in London is Hyde Park. Hyde Park was acquired in 1536 by Henry VIII for hunting grounds and it is now one of London's Royal Parks. Hyde Park has a perimeter of around 4 miles and a size of some 350 acres. To the north is Bayswater and to the south of Hyde Park is South Kensington and Knightsbridge. To the east of Hyde Park is Kensington and to the west the fashionable Park Lane and Mayfair. For those horse riders, Hyde Park offers a great bridle track and the park also contains a large lake known as the Serpentine which is popular for boating trips during the summer months. At the north east corner of Hyde Park close to Marble Arch is an area known as Speaker's Corner. Here you will find many locals expressing their views in a sometimes alarmingly aggressive! A wide range of topics are aired to those brave enough to listen, from religion, politics and war to peace, the trade unions and the previous days football match. During the summer months, Hyde Park plays host to a number of music festivals and concerts. In July 2005, a Live 8 open air charity concert took place in Hyde Park and attracted millions of people into London with top acts as the Who, Pink Floyd and Sir Paul McCartney gracing the stage. Annually Hyde Park also plays centre stage for 'Party in the Park' staged in aid of charity on behalf of the Prince's Trust.

For those interested in skating or skateboarding, Hyde Park provides the largest event which takes place every Sunday on the east side of the serpentine. This is a great way to see the city as well as getting some exercise!